Katya Stark (She/They)

Techniques I Use

Issues I Treat

Specialties

• Anxiety
• LGBTQ Issues
• Relationship / Marriage Issues
• Depression
• Gender Identity

• Anxiety

  I use cognitive behavior therapy, rooted in ancient Stoic philosophy, to process one's reaction to events and find creative ways of eradicating negative self-talk. I apply DBT emotion regulation skills, somatic therapy to increase mind and body connection, and Gestalt therapy to learn what unmet need causes anxiety and depression. I assign homework to clients who are interested in working in between sessions.

• LGBTQ Issues

  As a queer-affirming counselor, I understand the extra pressures and challenges LGBTQIA+ folks face. I focus on processing religious trauma, fear of rejection, minority stress, and the negative impact of heteronormativity, cisnormativity, internalized homophobia, and minority stress on mental health. As a polyamory-affirmative counselor, I am dedicated to expanding my knowledge and counseling skills to work with people in polyamorous relationship structures.

• Relationship / Marriage Issues

  I became interested in couples counseling after witnessing how unsatisfactory relationships negatively impact mental health and ultimately reduce the quality of life. Almost every client who seeks counseling for anxiety and depression typically feels unsafe or insecure in their relationships; or, has had difficulty finding partners to meet their needs and accept them for who they are. I have completed Level 1 of Imago Relationship Therapy clinical training.

• Depression

  I use cognitive behavioral therapy for depression to identify and process thoughts, feelings, and body sensations leading to depressive mood. I apply insight-oriented therapy techniques to identify attachment injuries that negatively impact self-esteem and mood. I apply therapy worksheets, exercises, information handouts, self-help guides, and audio therapy resources to support my client's healing.

• Gender Identity

  I provide affirming space to explore sexuality and gender identity and to process how that may be implicated in relationships with family, friends, intimate partner violence, and sexual trauma. I enjoy working with genderqueer, non-binary, gender-fluid, and gender-nonconforming folks and provide letters to support gender-affirming related care access.